Information transparency seen as key to realising good governance
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Chairman of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Information Commission (KI), Harry Ara Hutabarat, stated that information transparency should not be viewed as a burden but rather as a hope for realising better governance. “The right to obtain information is a constitutional right of every citizen as stipulated in Article 28F of the 1945 Constitution,” he said during the South Jakarta City Public Information Transparency Guidance event on Tuesday.
He said it is now time for the residents of South Jakarta, particularly in Setiabudi Sub-district, to exercise their right to access public information in the digital era. He also reminded stakeholders of the importance of utilising technology in public information services, ensuring that information published on websites is accurate, easily accessible, and regularly updated, without neglecting personal data protection.
“This guidance serves as a momentum for the eight urban villages in Setiabudi Sub-district to become more informative,” he said. Harry also expressed hope that the capacity of the Information and Documentation Management Officers (PPID) and stakeholders in Setiabudi Sub-district would increase through this guidance, enabling them to deliver public information services that are fast, precise, transparent, and accountable.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Mayor of South Jakarta Administration, Ali Murtadho, asserted that information is a crucial element for a global city. According to him, whereas information once belonged to public bodies, today it is the right of the community. “Therefore, we must continue to improve, increase our capacity, and start digitising archives so that services become better,” said Ali.
The Representative of the Main PPID of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, Heri Hidayat, explained the technical aspects of public information request services. He explained that every urban village is required to have a PPID as the frontline of information services and to introduce the official channels of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government and Jala Hoaks, as a means of obtaining information and clarifying hoaxes. According to him, the PPID is the frontline of direct public information services to the community. “Therefore, every urban village must be ready to provide information services that are fast, precise, and in accordance with applicable regulations,” he said.
The Information Commission of DKI Jakarta Province previously held the Public Information Transparency Guidance for South Jakarta City Administration, which was attended by representatives from the Urban Village Consultative Council (LMK), the Community Early Awareness Forum (FKDM), neighbourhood and community unit heads (RT/RW), Family Welfare Movement (PKK), Dasawisma, and representatives from eight urban villages in Setiabudi Sub-district.